BILLY MISSI | 'Aubau (noni fruit)' Linocut Print | Final edition

Billy Missi, 1970- 2012, was known as one of the leading printmakers of this region, having exhibited widely and achieved both national and international acclaim. He comes from a respected family of art practitioners and choreographers, from the tribes of Wagedagam, Geomu and Panai in Maluilgal (Western Torres Strait). His work is based on reasons for survival. He states: "The Torres Strait has a complex history and culture, vegetation and eco systems that work with the phases of the moon, so the livelihood of people in that region is based on, and strongly connected with the natural surroundings, hunting and gathering, identifying foods. Its why our people have continued to pass on traditional stories and cultural traditions".

Story: "This plant has been used as a medicine plant in Zenadh-Kes for many generations. It is used for respiratory and digestive ailments. Aubau is one of the most important plant medicines of the Islands. Sometimes the leaves are boiled and the infusion consumed by drinking. Modern commercial variations of noni fruit medicine are available through health food retailers.

The print depicts people of all different ages gathered around the Aubau tree consuming the fruit. "